Apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for effectively implementing a wireless television system may include a communications processor and a transmitter device that combine at least one of a local-area network interface, a wide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfaces for effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. A transmitted stream from the wireless television system may be received via wireless network processing for viewing local-area network data, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television data by flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepad personal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TV remote control device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority in, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/318,904 entitled “Method For EffectivelyImplementing A Wireless Television System” that was filed on May 26,1999. The foregoing related application is commonly assigned, and ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to enhanced television systems,and relates more particularly to an apparatus and method for effectivelyimplementing a wireless television system.

2. Description of the Background Art

Developing an effective method for implementing enhanced televisionsystems is a significant consideration for contemporary televisiondesigners and manufacturers. In conventional television systems, adisplay device may be utilized to view program information received froma program source. The conventional display device is typicallypositioned in a stationary location because of restrictions imposed byvarious physical connections that electrically couple the display deviceto input devices, output devices, and operating power. Otherconsiderations such as display size and display weight may alsosignificantly restrict viewer mobility in traditional televisionsystems.

Portable television displays may advantageously provide viewers withadditional flexibility when choosing an appropriate viewing location.For example, in a home environment, a portable television may readily berelocated to view programming at various remote locations throughout thehome. A user may thus flexibly view television programming, even whileperforming other tasks in locations that are remote from a stationarydisplay device.

However, portable television systems typically possess certaindetrimental operational characteristics that diminish theireffectiveness for use in modern television systems. For example, inorder to eliminate restrictive physical connections, portabletelevisions typically receive television signals that are propagatedfrom a remote terrestrial television transmitter to an antenna that isintegral with the portable television. Because of the size andpositioning constraints associated with a portable antenna, suchportable televisions typically exhibit relatively poor receptioncharacteristics, and the subsequent display of the transmittedtelevision signals is therefore often of inadequate quality.

Other factors and considerations are also relevant to effectivelyimplementing an enhanced wireless television system. For example, theevolution of digital data network technology and wireless digitalbroadcasting techniques may provide additional flexibility and increasedquality to portable television systems. However, current wireless datanetworks typically are not optimized for flexible transmission andreception of video information.

Furthermore, a significant proliferation in the number of potentialprogram sources (both analog and digital) may benefit a system user byproviding an abundance of program material for selective viewing. Inparticular, an economical wireless television system for flexible homeuse may enable television viewers to significantly improve theirtelevision-viewing experience by facilitating portability whilesimultaneously providing an increased number of program sourceselections.

However, because of the substantially increased system complexity, suchan enhanced wireless television system may require additional resourcesfor effectively managing the control and interaction of various systemcomponents and functionalities. Therefore, for all the foregoingreasons, developing an effective method for implementing enhancedtelevision systems remains a significant consideration for designers andmanufacturers of contemporary television systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method aredisclosed for effectively implementing a wireless television system. Inone embodiment of the present invention, initially, one or more programsources are provided to a wireless base station that preferablydifferentiates the various types of program sources depending on whetherthe program source includes any combination of digital A/V data, analogvideo, or analog audio information.

If the program source includes digital A/V data, then, the wireless basestation preferably formats the digital A/V data into an appropriateformat, and provides the formatted data to a subsystem processor in thewireless base station. The subsystem processor responsively processesthe formatted data to generate processed data (for example, bytranscoding).

Similarly, if the program source includes analog video, then, thewireless base station preferably formats the analog video into anappropriate format, and provides the formatted video to the subsystemprocessor. The subsystem processor then responsively processes theformatted video to generate processed video.

In addition, if the program source includes analog audio, then, thewireless base station preferably formats the analog audio into anappropriate format, and provides the formatted audio to the subsystemprocessor. The subsystem processor then responsively processes theformatted audio to generate processed audio.

Next, the subsystem processor preferably combines the processed audio,video, and data into a processed stream. A communications processor thenreceives the processed stream, and responsively performs a wirelessnetwork processing procedure to generate a transmitter-ready stream. Thecommunications processor may also advantageously receive and processvarious types of information from a wide-area network (such as theInternet).

Finally, a transmitter device receives and modulates thetransmitter-ready stream, and advantageously performs a wireless networktransmission process to propagate a broadcast stream to a remote TV, aremote controller, an auxiliary base station, or any other compatibledisplay receiver device, in accordance with the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the foregoing communications processor may alsoprovide information from various sources to a local-area network fortransmission to the remote TV from an auxiliary base station that maypreferably be coupled to the local-area network. For example, thecommunications processor may advantageously receive information from awide-area network through a wide-area network interface, andresponsively provide the information from the wide-area network to theforegoing local-area network through a local-area network interface.

The remote TV (or any other compatible display receiver device)preferably receives the broadcast stream from the wireless base station.A RF subsystem in the remote TV then preferably performs a wirelessnetwork processing procedure to generate a baseband stream. Theforegoing wireless network processing procedure may include variousappropriate techniques, such as demodulation and down-conversion of thebroadcast stream propagated from the wireless base station.

An A/V decoder then preferably receives and demultiplexes the basebandstream into separate components which may include separate data, video,and audio information. If the baseband stream includes data information,then, the A/V decoder preferably manipulates the data information intoan appropriate format to thereby generate manipulated data. Similarly,if the baseband stream includes video information, then the A/V decoderpreferably decompresses the video information to generate decompressedvideo. In addition, if the baseband stream includes audio information,then the A/V decoder preferably decompresses the audio information togenerate decompressed audio. The A/V decoder may then preferably providethe decompressed audio to an amplifier and speakers which operate toaurally reproduce the decompressed audio.

Concurrently, a display controller preferably may access the manipulateddata and the decompressed video, and responsively perform a graphicaluser interface (GUI) processing procedure to generate display data anddisplay video for presentation on the remote TV. Finally, the displaycontroller provides the display data and the display video to the remoteTV for remote viewing by a user of the wireless television system.

Therefore, the present invention effectively implements a flexiblewireless television system that utilizes various heterogeneouscomponents to facilitate optimal system interoperability andfunctionality. The present invention thus effectively and efficientlyimplements an enhanced wireless television system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a basic wireless television system, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the remote television of FIG. 1, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a remote controller for use with the wirelesstelevision system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a drawing of an auxiliary base station for use with thewireless television system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodimentof present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the wireless base station of FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary base station subsystem, inaccordance with one embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the remote television from FIG. 1, inaccordance with one embodiment of present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a wirelesstransmission procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a wirelessreception procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to an improvement in television systems.The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the contextof a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications tothe preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled inthe art and the generic principles herein may be applied to otherembodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limitedto the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features described herein.

The present invention may comprise an apparatus and method foreffectively implementing a wireless television system, and maypreferably include a communications processor and a transmitter devicethat may combine at least one of a local-area network interface, awide-area network interface, and one or more television data interfacesfor effectively performing a wireless network transmission process. Atransmitted stream from the wireless television system may preferably bereceived via wireless network processing for viewing local-area networkdata, wide-area network data (such as Internet data), or television databy flexibly utilizing various electronic devices such as a notepadpersonal computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a handheld TVremote control device.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a basic wireless televisionsystem 110 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, wireless television system 110preferably includes, but is not limited to, a number of programs sources112, a switcher 138, a wireless base station 156, a primary television(TV) 152, a remote television (TV) 158, a preamplifier 142, an amplifier144, and speakers 148. In other embodiments of the present invention,wireless television system 110 may readily include other components thatare different from, or in addition to, those described in conjunctionwith the FIG. 1 embodiment.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, wireless television system 110 is preferablyconfigured for economical and efficient use in a home environment,however, in alternate embodiments, the present invention may beimplemented for use in any appropriate environment. In the FIG. 1embodiment, program sources 112 preferably comprise a selectable varietyof consumer electronics devices that may include, but are not limitedto, a personal computer 114 that communicates with other devices throughinput/output (I/O) path 116, a compact disk/digital video disk device(CD/DVD device) 118, a cable decoder 120 that receives a cable TV signalon path 122, a media server 124 that stores and provides various typesof selectable programming, a video cassette recorder (VCR) 126 thatreceives a terrestrial antenna signal on path 128, miscellaneous sources130 that may include any desired type of program sources, and asatellite decoder 132 that receives a satellite dish signal on path 134.

In alternate embodiments of the present invention, program sources 112may readily be configured to include any other types of program sourcesor devices that are different from, or in addition to, those describedin conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. For example, program sources112 may provide any type of information, including video, audio, or datasources, that may be formatted in any compatible or appropriate format.Furthermore, program sources 112 may readily be implemented to includeinformation for use in environments other than economical consumer homeapplications. For example, wireless television system 110 may readily beconfigured to include program sources 112 that are intended for variousother uses, including industrial, governmental, or scientificapplications.

The present invention also supports various types of supplemental datatransmissions that may be implemented as a separate program source 112,or may alternately be incorporated into another program source 112. Forexample, relevant program guide information and/or video channel guideinformation may be provided as a program source 112, or may beincorporated into another program source 112. Such program guideinformation may be provided in any suitable manner, including from atelevision broadcast vertical-blanking interval (VBI) signal, from MPEGsystem data, or from the Internet through a wide-area network (WAN)connection.

In the FIG. 1 embodiment, switcher 138 preferably receives individualprogram signals from each of the program sources 112 via path 136.Switcher 138 then preferably selects one or more of the program sources112 as a switcher output program in response to control informationtypically provided by a viewer of system 110. Switcher 138 preferablyprovides video information from the switcher output program to primaryTV 152 via path 150. Similarly, switcher 138 preferably provides audioinformation from the switcher output program to amplifier 144 throughpreamplifier 142 via path 140. Amplifier 144 then provides the amplifiedaudio information to speakers 148 via path 146.

In accordance with the present invention, switcher 138 preferably alsoprovides one or more program sources 112 to wireless base station 156through path 154. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, wireless base station 156 isimplemented as a discrete component in system 110. However, in alternateembodiments, wireless base station 156 may readily be implemented aspart of a set-top box (not shown) or any other component in system 110.In addition, wireless base station 156 may readily receive programsources 112 using one or more different routings than that discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment. For example, wireless basestation 156 may be implemented as part of primary TV 152 and thenreceive program sources 112 from a picture-in-picture (PIP) tunercorresponding to primary TV 152.

In accordance with the present invention, wireless base station 156 thenadvantageously processes the received program source(s) 112, andwirelessly transmits the processed program source(s) 112 as a broadcaststream to remote TV 158 for flexible remote viewing by a system user.The implementation and functionality of wireless base station 156 andremote TV 158 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2through 9.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a drawing of the FIG. 1 remote TV 158 is shown,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the FIG.2 embodiment, remote TV 158 preferably includes, but is not limited to,a remote TV screen 212 and remote TV controls 214. Remote TV 158 ispreferably implemented as a light-weight portable display device thatreceives a broadcast stream from wireless base station 156, andresponsively displays at least one selectable program source 112 onremote TV screen 212. In alternate embodiments, remote TV 158 may beimplemented as a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a notepadpersonal computer or any other desired display device.

In the FIG. 2 embodiment, remote TV controls 214 may includeconventional controls and programmable controls that may be used by aviewer to control certain operating parameters of wireless televisionsystem 110. For example, remote TV controls 214 may be used either tocontrol the operation of remote TV 158, or to control the operation ofother components and subsystems in system 110 through a wirelesstransmission (for example, selecting a program source 112 throughswitcher 138). Remote TV screen 212 preferably includes color ormonochrome display components that may be implemented using anyappropriate and compatible display technology. In addition, remote TVscreen 212 may employ touch-screen technology to control various displayoperating parameters as well as other technologies such as handwritingor voice input recognition.

In alternate embodiments, remote TV 158 may readily be implemented inany other desired manner. For example, remote TV 158 may be implementedas a wireless non-portable television in order to perform various typesof special viewing applications that may require a wireless display. Theoperation and functionality of remote TV 158 are further discussed belowin conjunction with FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a drawing of a remote controller 310 for usewith the FIG. 1 wireless television system 110 is shown, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention. In the FIG. 3 embodiment,remote controller 310 is a hand-held device that preferably includes,but is not limited to, a remote controller screen 314, remote controls312, a radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (RF XMIT/RCVR) 318 and aninfrared transmitter/receiver (IR XMIT/RCVR) 316.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment, remote controls 312 may be used by a viewer tocontrol various components and operating parameters of wirelesstelevision system 110. For example, remote controls 312 may be used tocontrol the operation of other components and subsystems in system 110through a wireless transmission process using either RF XMIT/RCVR 318 orIR XMIT/RCVR 316.

Remote controller screen 314 preferably includes display components thatmay be implemented using any appropriate and compatible displaytechnology. Remote controller 310 may thus advantageously receive abroadcast stream from wireless base station 156 through either RFXMIT/RCVR 318 or IR XMIT/RCVR 316, and responsively display at least oneselectable program source 112 on remote controller screen 314.

In one embodiment, remote controller screen 314 may thereby allow systemusers to preview various different selectable program sources 112 whilesimultaneously viewing an uninterrupted primary program source 112 onprimary TV 152 or on remote TV 158. In the foregoing preview function,remote controller screen may receive a wireless transmission originatingfrom a separate picture-in-picture (PIP) tuner in wireless televisionsystem 110. The preview function may therefore be utilized for functionslike programming VCR 126 or previewing other channels withoutinterrupting other concurrent program viewing activities. The operationand functionality of remote controller 310 are further discussed belowin conjunction with FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a drawing of an auxiliary base station 410 foruse with the FIG. 1 wireless television system 110 is shown, inaccordance with one embodiment of present invention. In the FIG. 4embodiment, auxiliary base station 410 includes, but is not limited to,a radio-frequency (RF) repeater 414, a remote TV connection 412, and analternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter 418. In alternateembodiments, auxiliary base station 410 may readily be implemented toinclude various other components that are different from, or in additionto, those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4 embodiment.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, RF repeater 414 preferably provides anenhanced transmission of one or more program sources 112 to remote TV158 or remote controller 310 to thereby advantageously improvetransmission quality in situations where remote TV 158 or remotecontroller 310 cannot receive adequate wireless transmissions directlyfrom wireless base station 156. For example, various factors such aswall density and composition, or physical distances from wireless basestation 156 may significantly deteriorate transmission strength andquality.

In accordance with the present invention, RF repeater 414 may thenreceive and enhance a broadcast stream that is transmitted directly fromwireless base station 156 using radio-frequency transmission techniques.Alternately, RF repeater 414 may receive and enhance program sourcetransmissions and transport various types of control informationprovided over a hard-wired home network (wired local-area network (LAN)416) that may be implemented using any suitable techniques andconfigurations.

In certain embodiments, wireless television system 110 may includemultiple auxiliary base stations 410 that each operate on a differenttransmission subchannel. In accordance with the present invention,remote TV 158 or remote controller 310 may therefore advantageouslysearch to locate a particular subchannel that provides the highestquality transmission signal, and then transparently switch to thecorresponding auxiliary base station 410 for optimal wirelesstransmission.

In the FIG. 4 embodiment, a system user may store remote TV 158 onauxiliary base station 410 by connecting remote TV 158 to remote TVconnection 412. Further more, AC/DC converter 418 may provide operatingpower to RF repeater 414, and may also recharge batteries in remote TV158 through remote TV connection 412.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a block diagram of the FIG. 1 wireless basestation 156 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of presentinvention. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, wireless base station 156preferably includes, but is not limited to, a base station subsystem 1(512(a)) through a base station subsystem N (512(c), and an antenna 526.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, wireless base station 156 preferably mayutilize various advanced radio-frequency transmission techniques, suchas spread-spectrum broadcasting via code division multiple access(CDMA). Therefore, each base station subsystem (512(a) through 512(c))may be efficiently implemented using a same or similar configuration,and may each correspond to a separate radio-frequency transmissionsub-channel. However, for purposes of clarity in FIG. 5, only basesubsystem 1 (512(a)) includes a block diagram of selected modules thatare typically present in each base station subsystem 516(a through c) ofwireless base station 156. In alternate embodiments, wireless basestation 156 may readily be implemented to include variousconfigurations, components, and subsystems other than those discussed inconjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, base station subsystem 512(a) preferablyreceives various input signals that may include analog video on path514, analog audio on path 528, and digital audio/video (A/V) data onpath 536. In alternate embodiments, base station subsystem 512(a) mayreadily receive any other types of appropriate and compatible inputsignals.

In accordance with the present invention, subsystem processor 518preferably receives various information from program sources 112 thatmay be encoded using an extensive variety of formats and configurations.Subsystem processor 518 then preferably processes and manipulates thereceived program sources 112 to advantageously generate processedprogram information in a particular format that is compatible fordownstream use by transmitter 324 and remote TV 158. For example, in aneconomical home-use installation, subsystem processor 518 may receive ahigh-frequency digital video bitstream, and responsively downconvert thevideo bitstream to a bit rate that is more appropriate for economicaltransmission techniques. Subsystem processor 518 may also performvarious other functions, including image bit allocation based on aparticular configuration of remote TV 158, programmable image resolutionwith filtered image-size scaling, and identifier-key detection forenabling access to premium programming.

In the case of analog video information, digitizer 516 converts theanalog video on path 514 into digital video that subsystem processor 518then receives via path 517. Subsystem processor 518 responsivelyperforms various signal processing procedures on the received digitalvideo, preferably including video compression 520. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, video compression 520 preferably includes variousMPEG-2 techniques and processes. Following the foregoing video signalprocessing procedures, subsystem processor 518 preferably provides theprocessed video to transmitter 524 via path 522.

Processing of video may also include various forms of frame rateconversion in order to reduce the bit rate provided to transmitter 524.In a simple example of reducing the frame rate, a 60 field NTSC inputvideo may be dropped down to 30 fields per second by dropping everyother field. A more complex technique for reducing the frame rate mayinclude de-interlacing the fields into frames either through processingthe fields or by detection of film content and through the technique of“3:2 pull down” converting the fields back to the original 24 frames persecond of the movie content. Most LCD displays are non-interlaced andde-interlacing prior to transmission may result in a more efficientsystem.

In the case of analog audio information, analog-to-digital converter(ADC) 530 converts analog audio on path 528 into digital audio thatsubsystem processor 518 then receives via path 532. Subsystem processor518 responsively performs various signal processing procedures on thereceived digital audio, preferably including audio compression 534. Inone embodiment of the present invention, audio compression 534preferably includes various MPEG-2 techniques and processes. Followingthe foregoing audio signal processing procedures, subsystem processor518 preferably provides the processed audio to transmitter 524 via path522.

In the case of digital audio/video data received on path 536, subsystemprocessor 518 performs various signal processing procedures on thereceived digital audio/video bitstream, preferably including transcoding538. In one embodiment of the present invention, transcoding 538preferably converts the digital A/V data received on path 536 intoprocessed data that includes a different and more appropriate bit rate,as discussed above. Digital A/V bus may follow a standard such as theIEEE 1394. Alternatively, the video may be in an analog format while theaudio follows a digital standard such as S/PDIF (Sony/Philips DigitalInterface) where the audio can either be in a compressed ornon-compressed digital format. Compressed audio may includemulti-channel audio such as rear channels or a subwoofer channel. In thecase of multi-channel audio, the signal processing of 518 may performprocessing to reduce the number of audio channels either throughdropping of audio channels or through processing to produce the effectof multiple audio channels coded into a reduced number of audiochannels. Following the foregoing signal processing procedures,subsystem processor 518 provides the processed data to transmitter 524via path 522.

Therefore, subsystem processor 518 may advantageously receive one ormore program sources 112 that are formatted in any appropriate manner,and responsively generate a processed stream that is formatted in anyappropriate manner. For example, subsystem processor 518 may receiveMPEG-2 variable bit rate video programming and responsively generate aconstant bit rate stream that may be formatted as an MPEG-2 elementary,packetized elementary, program or transport stream. Similarly, subsystemprocessor 518 may receive high-definition television (HDTV) videoprogramming and responsively generate a standard definition televisionstream.

In the FIG. 5 embodiment, transmitter 524 may be implemented to includeany desired types of effective transmission techniques, including spreadspectrum methods via code division multiple access (CDMA) that mayutilize frequency-hopping or direct sequencing techniques. Transmitter524 preferably receives the processed and combined video, audio, anddata from subsystem processor 518 as a transport stream, andresponsively transmits a broadcast stream to remote TV 158 or remotecontroller 310 via path 525 and antenna 526. More detailed operation andfunctionality for one embodiment of a base station subsystem 512 arefurther discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a block diagram of an exemplary base stationsubsystem 512 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In the FIG. 6 embodiment, base station subsystem 512preferably includes, but is not limited to, a subsystem processor 518,an infrared transmitter/receiver (IR XMIT/RCVR) 644, a memory 646, awide-area network (WAN) interface 658, a local-area network (LAN)interface 652, a communications processor 636, a transmitter 524, anantenna 526, and a power subsystem 662. In alternate embodiments, basestation subsystem 512 may readily be implemented to include variouscomponents that are different from, or in addition to, those discussedin conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, subsystem processor 518 preferably may receivevarious selectable program signals from any appropriate source,including program sources 112 (FIG. 1). Subsystem processor 518 thenresponsively processes and manipulates the received program signals togenerate a processed output stream on path 522, as discussed above inconjunction with FIG. 5. Subsystem processor 518 preferably alsocommunicates with memory 646 via path 648. Memory 646 may be configuredusing any desired format, and may be utilized to store any informationrequired by wireless television system 110, including various processingsoftware instructions for subsystem processor 518.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, subsystem processor 518 may receive analogaudio via path 528, analog-to-digital converter 530, and path 532.Subsystem processor 518 may also receive analog video via path 514,analog-to-digital converter/demodulator (ADC/Demod) 612, and path 517.Similarly, subsystem processor 518 may receive digital audio/video (A/V)data via path 536, bus interface 620, and path 622.

In addition, a tuner 626 may receive a coaxial television signal (CoaxTV) on path 536 and responsively provide a selectable television sourceto subsystem processor 518 through either path 630 (for digital TVsignals), or through path 628 (for analog TV signals). Subsystemprocessor 518 may also utilize universal serial bus (USB) 632 tocommunicate directly with various devices such as personal computer 114(FIG. 1).

In accordance with the present invention, subsystem processor 518 mayalso advantageously communicate with compatible components throughoutwireless television system 110 using a control bus 634. In the FIG. 6embodiment, control bus 634 may be implemented using any compatibleconfiguration and/or protocol. For example, control bus 634 may beeffectively implemented in accordance with a control bus standard, andmay also utilize various signaling protocols and techniques incompliance with a Home Audio-Video Home Interoperability (HAVI)standard.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, subsystem processor 518 preferably combinesprocessed video, processed audio, and processed data to thereby providea processed stream comprising one or more selectable processed programsources 112 to communications processor 636 through path 522. Inresponse, communications processor 636 performs a network processingprocedure on the processed stream to generate a transmitter-ready streamto radio-frequency transmitter/receiver (RF XMIT/RCVR) 640 via path 638.Communications processor 636 preferably performs the foregoing networkprocessing procedure in response to relevant characteristics of wirelesstelevision system 110. For example, the network processing procedure maydepend on various factors such as the particular wireless transmissiontechniques utilized for effective wireless transmission or the type ofbus arbitration required for WAN or LAN interfaces.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, RF XMIT/RCVR 640 may then manipulate (forexample, up-convert and modulate) the transmitter-ready stream toadvantageously generate and transmit a broadcast stream through path 525and antenna 526 to remote TV 158, remote controller 310, or auxiliarybase station 410, in accordance with the present invention. In the FIG.6 embodiment, RF XMIT/RCVR 640 may be implemented to include any desiredtypes of effective up-conversion, modulation, or other wirelesstransmission techniques, including spread spectrum methods via codedivision multiple access (CDMA) that may utilize appropriatefrequency-hopping or direct sequencing techniques. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, subsystem processor 518 may also transmit theprocessed stream to remote TV 158, remote controller 310, or auxiliarybase station 410 using IR XMIT/RCVR 644. Wireless base station 156 alsopreferably embodies one or more effective transmission protocols thatinclude isochronous support for transmission of multimedia information.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, base station subsystem 512 may communicatewith various wide-area networks (such as the Internet) via WAN interface656. For example, subsystem processor 518 may readily access digital A/Vdata from the Internet via path 656, WAN interface 658, path 660,communications processor 636, and path 522. Subsystem processor 518 maythen process the Internet A/V data, and subsequently provide theprocessed Internet A/V data through path 522 to communications processor636 for wireless transmission by RF XMIT/RCVR 640, as discussed above.In accordance with the present invention, communications processor 636may also provide the transmitter-ready stream to RF repeater 414 inauxiliary base station 410 via path 654, LAN interface 652, and path650, as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 4. In some systems, forexample a cable modem system, the WAN connection 656 may physically bethe same as the Coax TV interface 624. In another system, such as a homenetwork using the standard phone line, the WAN connection 656 mayphysically be the same as the LAN interface connection 650.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, remote TV 158 or remote controller 310 mayadvantageously transmit wireless radio-frequency control information tosubsystem processor 518 through antenna 526, RF XMIT/RCVR 640, andcommunications processor 636. In response, subsystem processor 518 mayfunction as a master controller to utilize the received wirelessradio-frequency control information for controlling various componentsand functionalities in wireless television system 110. Subsystemprocessor 518 may use the received RF control information in anysuitable manner. For example, subsystem processor 518 may controlappropriate system components either by hard-wired connections, byutilizing control bus 634, or by transmitting the control informationthrough path 642 and infrared transmitter/receiver (IR XMIT/RCVR) 644.

In accordance with the present invention, subsystem processor 518 mayalso utilize IR XMIT/RCVR 644 and RF XMIT/RCVR 640 to advantageouslymonitor all remotely-generated system control signals. Subsystemprocessor 518 may then responsively maintain corresponding systemcomponent status information in memory 646 to facilitate intelligentsystem control interaction in wireless television system 110. Forexample, a system user in a viewing location that is remote from programsources 112 may be unaware of the current status of a given programsource, such as VCR 126. According to the present invention, subsystemprocessor 518 may therefore utilize the stored component statusinformation to intelligently respond to a remote viewer request that isprovided by wireless transmission from remote TV 158 or remotecontroller 310.

In the FIG. 6 embodiment, power subsystem 662 preferably providesoperating power for base station subsystem 512. Power subsystem 662preferably includes a recharger 666 for recharging remote TV 158 andremote controller 310. Power subsystem 622 also preferably includesbatteries 664 which may serve as a backup power source so that, evenwhen main operating power is turned off, base station subsystem 512 maystill monitor system control information to components of wirelesstelevision system 110, and thereby maintain current system statusinformation in memory 646.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a block diagram of the FIG. 1 remote TV 158 isshown, in accordance with one embodiment of present invention. Forreasons of clarity, the following discussion of the FIG. 7 embodiment ismade in reference to remote TV 158. However, in accordance with thepresent invention, the FIG. 7 embodiment is equally descriptive ofselected functional components from either remote TV 158 or remotecontroller 310. In alternate embodiments, remote TV 158 and remotecontroller 310 may readily be implemented using various techniques anddesigns other than those discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7embodiment.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, remote TV 158 preferably receives a broadcaststream from RF XMIT/RCVR 640 of wireless base station 156 (or RFrepeater 414 of auxiliary base station 410) through an integral portableantenna that couples the broadcast stream through path 720 toradio-frequency (RF) subsystem 724. Radio-frequency (RF) subsystem 724responsively processes (for example, down-converts and demodulates) thebroadcast stream to generate a baseband stream.

Input/output (I/O) controller 728 then preferably receives the basebandstream via path 726 and responsively provides the baseband stream viapath 730 to audio/video (A/V) decoder 732. Under the control of centralprocessing unit (CPU) 712, and in response to various softwareinstructions stored in memory 716, A/V decoder then preferablydemultiplexes and decodes the baseband stream to generate separatedecoded video, audio, and data information.

Display controller 736 may then receive the decoded video and data viapath 734, and temporarily store the decoded video and data into displaymemory 740 via path 738. At the appropriate time, display controller 736may then retrieve the decoded video and data from display memory 740,and provide the decoded video and data via path 742 to remote TV screen212 for display to a system user. Display controller 736 may alsoprovide the decoded audio to an amplifier and speakers for auralreproduction via path 770.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, infrared (IR) subsystem 758 may alternatelyreceive a broadcast stream from IR XMIT/RCVR 644 of wireless basestation 156 through path 762. IR subsystem 758 may then provide thebroadcast stream to I/O controller 728 via path 756 for furtherdownstream manipulation and display, as discussed above.

In accordance with the present invention, a system user may supplydesired component control information to I/O controller 728 by usingcontrols and lights 746 and path 744, or by using any other appropriatemeans. I/O controller may then wirelessly transmit the component controlinformation to wireless base station 156 via path 726, RF subsystem 724,and path 722, or via path 756, IR subsystem 758, and path 760, asdiscussed above in conjunction with FIG. 6.

In the FIG. 7 embodiment, remote TV 158 preferably includes a battery752 that supplies display operating power, and which may be rechargedvia path 754. Remote TV 158 may also comprise a serial port 750, such asa universal serial bus (USB), for connecting remote TV 158 to a hostpersonal computer to thereby allow various interactive processes,including performing setup, data exchange, and backup procedures forremote TV 158. Alternatively, the host personal computer may use the RF,IR or LAN connections for setup, data exchange and backup procedures forremote TV 158.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a flowchart of method steps for performing awireless transmission procedure is shown, in accordance with oneembodiment of present invention. In the FIG. 8 embodiment, initially, instep 810, wireless television system 110 provides one or more programsources 112 to wireless base station 156. In step 812, wireless basestation 156 differentiates various types of program sources 112depending on whether the program source(s) 112 include any combinationof digital A/V data, analog video, or analog audio information.

If program source 112 includes digital A/V data, then, in step 824,wireless base station 156 preferably formats the digital A/V data intoan appropriate format, and provides the formatted data to subsystemprocessor 518 in wireless base station 156. In step 826, subsystemprocessor 518 responsively processes the formatted data to generateprocessed data (for example, by transcoding), and then the FIG. 8process advances to step 818.

Similarly, if program source 112 includes analog video, then, in step814, wireless base station 156 formats the analog video into anappropriate format, and provides the formatted video to subsystemprocessor 518 in wireless base station 156. For example, ADC/Demod 612may convert the analog video into an appropriate digital format. Then,in step 816, subsystem processor 518 responsively processes theformatted video to generate processed video, and the FIG. 8 processadvances to step 818.

In addition, if program source 112 includes analog audio, then, in step820, wireless base station 156 formats the analog audio into anappropriate format, and provides the formatted audio to subsystemprocessor 518 in wireless base station 156. For example, ADC 530 mayconvert the analog video into an appropriate digital format. In step822, subsystem processor 518 responsively processes the formatted audioto generate processed audio, and then the FIG. 8 process advances tostep 818.

In step 818, subsystem processor 518 preferably combines the processedaudio, video, and data into a processed stream. Then, in step 828,communications processor 636 receives the processed stream generated inforegoing step 818, and responsively performs a wireless networkprocessing procedure to generate a transmitter-ready stream. Finally, instep 830, transmitter 524 receives and modulates the transmitter-readystream, and advantageously performs a wireless network transmissionprocess to propagate a broadcast stream to remote TV 158, remotecontroller 310, auxiliary base station 410, or any other compatiblereceiver device, in accordance with the present invention.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart of method steps for performing awireless reception procedure is shown, in accordance with one embodimentof present invention. For reasons of clarity, the FIG. 7 wirelessreception procedure is discussed in reference to remote TV 158. However,wireless reception by remote controller 310, auxiliary base station 410,or any other compatible receiver device is equally contemplated for usein conjunction with the present invention.

In the FIG. 9 embodiment, initially, in step 912, remote TV 158preferably receives a broadcast stream from wireless base station 156.Then, in step 914, RF subsystem 724 preferably performs a wirelessnetwork processing procedure to generate a baseband stream. Theforegoing wireless network processing procedure may include variousappropriate techniques, such as demodulation and down-conversion of thebroadcast stream propagated from wireless base station 156.

In step 916, A/V decoder 732 preferably receives and demultiplexes thebaseband stream into separate components which may include separatedata, video, and audio information. If the baseband stream includes datainformation, then, in step 918, A/V decoder 732 preferably manipulatesthe data information into an appropriate format to generate manipulateddata, and the FIG. 9 process advances to step 922. Similarly, if thebaseband stream includes video information, then, in step 920, A/Vdecoder 732 preferably decompresses the video information to generatedecompressed video, and the FIG. 9 process advances to step 922.

In addition, if the baseband stream includes audio information, then instep 926, A/V decoder 732 preferably decompresses the audio informationto generate decompressed audio. In step 928, A/V decoder 732 maypreferably provide the decompressed audio to an amplifier and speakerswhich operate to aurally reproduce the decompressed audio.

In step 922, display controller 736 preferably may access themanipulated data (step 918) and the decompressed video (step 920), andresponsively perform a graphical user interface (GUI) processingprocedure to generate display data and display video for presentation onremote TV 158. Finally, in step 924, display controller 736 provides thedisplay data and the display video to remote TV screen 212 for viewingby a user of wireless television system 110.

The present invention therefore implements a flexible wirelesstelevision system that a user may effectively utilize in a wide varietyof applications. For example, a video camera device may generate awireless transmission to remote TV 158 for purposes such as surveillanceand monitoring, or the transmission can be received by wireless basestation 156 and the transmission stored on a connected storage device.Remote TV 158 may also generate a query to wireless television system110 for purposes such as determining current programming of VCR 126. Auser may likewise receive a telephone communication via remote TV 158while simultaneously viewing a caller ID display, or may similarlyutilize wireless television system to interact with an Internet browserprogram.

In addition, a viewer may flexibly utilize wireless television system110 for displaying information from a home server (such as viewing apersonal recipe collection while cooking), for displaying various userprofiles (such as a particular viewer's favorite television channels),or for sequencing through images in a “picture frame” mode when remoteTV 158 is not otherwise in use. Therefore, the present inventioneffectively implements a flexible wireless television system thatutilizes various heterogeneous components to facilitate optimal systeminteroperability and functionality.

The invention has been explained above with reference to a preferredembodiment. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention mayreadily be implemented using configurations other than those describedin the preferred embodiment above. Additionally, the present inventionmay effectively be used in conjunction with systems other than the onedescribed above as the preferred embodiment. Therefore, these and othervariations upon the preferred embodiments are intended to be covered bythe present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.

1. A base station comprising: a subsystem processor configured toprocess program information generated by a program source to generate adigital processed stream; a communications processor coupled to thesubsystem processor, the communications processor configured to performa network processing procedure on the digital processed stream toproduce an output stream for transmission; and a network interfaceconfigured to transmit the output stream over a network to a displaysystem, the network interface selected from a group consisting of alocal-area network interface and a wide-area network interface, whereinthe network processing procedure depends upon a type of bus arbitrationrequired for the network interface.
 2. The base station of claim 1,wherein the communications processor is configured to receive controlinformation from a remote display system via the network interface, andwherein the subsystem processor is configured to control the programinformation provided by the program source based on the controlinformation.
 3. The base station of claim 1, wherein the communicationsprocessor is configured to receive control information from a remotedisplay system via the network interface, and wherein the subsystemprocessor is configured to select a different program source forproviding program information responsive to receiving controlinformation.
 4. The base station of claim 1, wherein the networkinterface is configured to transmit the output stream over a wiredconnection to a wireless transmitter, and the wireless transmitter isconfigured to transmit the output stream to the display system at leastin part over a wireless network.
 5. The base station of claim 1, whereinthe network comprises a local area network and wherein the networkinterface is a local-area network interface configured to transmit theoutput stream over the local-area network.
 6. The base station of claim1, wherein the network comprises a packet-switched network and whereinthe network interface is configured to transmit the output stream atleast in part over the packet-switched network.
 7. The base station ofclaim 1, wherein the subsystem processor is configured to receive theprogram information from the program source via the Internet.
 8. Thebase station of claim 1, wherein the base station is integrated with aprogram source.
 9. The base station of claim 1, wherein the programsource is a television.
 10. The base station of claim 1, wherein thebase station is integrated with a modem for receiving data.
 11. The basestation of claim 10 wherein the modem is configured to use the networkinterface to receive data.
 12. The base station of claim 1, wherein thebase station is integrated with the program source and with a modem forreceiving data.
 13. The base station of claim 1, wherein the programsource is a personal computer.
 14. The base station of claim 1, whereinthe program source is a media server.
 15. The base station of claim 1,wherein the subsystem processor is configured to receive digitalaudio-video data from the program source.
 16. The base station of claim1, wherein the subsystem processor is configured to process asupplemental data transmission and to provide the supplemental datatransmission as the output stream to the network interface fortransmission to the display system.
 17. The base station of claim 16,wherein the supplemental data transmission comprises data received in avertical blanking interval (VBI) of the program information receivedfrom the program source.
 18. The base station of claim 16, wherein thesupplemental data transmission comprises metadata from the programinformation received from the program source.
 19. The base station ofclaim 16, wherein the supplemental data transmission comprises datareceived from the Internet.
 20. The base station of claim 1, wherein thesubsystem processor is configured to process the program information toprovide the digital processed stream at least in part by compressing theprogram information.